In May divers from the Gibraltar Clearance Diving Element sailed to Tangiers with HMS Dagger to conduct Exercise Hercules Vanguard, marking the second time Gibraltar-based units have formally exercised with the Royal Moroccan Navy.

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below: 

Utilising the Vahana-class diving support boat DSB, the team of four divers and one  engineer transited across the Strait of Gibraltar, led by HMS DAGGER. 

The first stop on the transit was Ksar Sghir Naval Base, where confirmation of plans was  established prior to proceeding to Tangiers Marina. Upon arrival in Tangiers, HMS DAGGER  and DSB were warmly received by members of the Royal Moroccan Navy. 

The first day of the exercise included visits from Moroccan clearance divers onboard HMS  DAGGER and DSB, where the crews demonstrated the capabilities and equipment utilised  by naval personnel based in Gibraltar. 

On the second day, all personnel met at Ksar Sghir Naval Base, where they were welcomed  by Commodore Mounir Tamim RMN, Commandant of the Royal Moroccan Navy Diving  School. 

Following introductions and tours of the impressive Moroccan diving capabilities and  equipment, the dive crews began briefing for their joint diving serial. 

The serial was led by Lieutenant Essaadi RMN and involved two Royal Navy divers each  leading a team of three Moroccan divers in using the Artemis Pro handheld sonar device to  locate a missing person represented by a weighted mannequin during the exercise. 

Prepared and ready almost immediately after the brief, the divers entered the water to locate  the missing person, who had been randomly positioned by a Moroccan RHIB. 

Despite interference from underwater contacts detected by the sonar, the combined diving  teams successfully located the missing person within minutes, demonstrating the  adaptability and skill of both nations and providing truly essential training. 

Chief Petty Officer Roberts, Officer in Charge of the Gibraltar Diving Element, said: 

“Clearance Divers from Gibraltar enjoyed their second period of Defence Engagement with  Moroccan divers. This gave us the opportunity to build on skills and friendships developed 

during our first exercise, while allowing the Moroccans to test new equipment that they could  potentially utilise in real-world scenarios". 

Following the conclusion of the serial, all personnel were hosted for lunch by Commodore  Tamim. Discussions took place in the company of the British Defence Attaché, Lieutenant  Colonel Gareth Oosterveen, regarding how the relationship between the two nations has  developed since their first meeting, and how such training events can be expanded in the  future, with the eventual aim of hosting Royal Moroccan Naval personnel in Gibraltar. The lunch also provided British personnel with the opportunity to experience the renowned  hospitality and cuisine of Morocco. 

Setting sail earlier than originally planned to avoid poor weather, HMS DAGGER and DSB  conducted Officer of the Watch manoeuvres and a PASSEX to conclude the visit with Royal  Moroccan Navy Patrol Boat GC-133, commanded by Lt Chana RMN. On completion both  Royal Navy vessels returned safely to Gibraltar. 

Lt Ryan Price RN, Commanding Officer HMS DAGGER, said: “This has been a great  opportunity to build connections with our Moroccan counter parts and understand each  other’s capabilities. We were exceptionally well hosted throughout our time and were  delighted with the Royal Moroccan Navy’s enthusiasm to further develop the content of the  exercise and potentially increase the frequency of our interactions. We look forward to more  opportunities with our friends across the water”